Seminole legislator to become Senate's majority leader today

Senate President Jim King said Sunday that he will depend on Jones as a key member of his leadership team to help develop policy and promote his agenda.

Jones, 61, is a freshman in the senate, but previously served 22 years in the House, where he met and mentored King. Jones was term-limited out of the House in 2000 but won a senate seat in November.

"Throughout the years, Dennis has become my best friend and strongest political ally," King said Sunday. "I have the utmost confidence in his political leadership, his ability to get things done and his unwavering loyalty."

Jones said he is excited to have been asked to serve.

"I have served the people of the Tampa Bay area for over 22 years, and I am pleased that I have once again been given the opportunity to help bring their interests to the forefront of legislative agenda," Jones said.

King will name the other members of his team and committee chairs Tuesday.

Jones has been a chiropractic physician for more than 39 years and founded the Community Care Medical Center in St. Petersburg, where he practices with his son Rod Jones.